RN Exam Practice
Health Promotion and MaintenanceQuestion 2063 of 2368

A newborn delivered by vacuum has scalp swelling that crosses the suture lines. What should the nurse tell the parents?

  1. The swelling is edema that usually resolves within 48 hours.
  2. The swelling is blood under the scalp and will take weeks to months to resolve.
  3. The swelling will usually get worse over the next 48 hours.
  4. The swelling is an infection and needs antibiotics.
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Correct answer: The swelling is edema that usually resolves within 48 hours.

Caput succedaneum crosses suture lines and resolves within 48 hours. A cephalohematoma stays within suture lines and takes much longer.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Healthy Newborn Care: Assessment (Recognize Cues). Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Health Promotion and Maintenance"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026